Sunday, March 19, 2017

Bernie Wrightson, R.I.P. (1948-2017)

Earlier today I learned about the death of artist Bernie Wrightson, co-creator (with writer Len Wein) of the legendary 1970s comic book, SWAMP THING.  Wein and Wrightson's still-astonishing ten-issue run on SWAMP THING is currently available in an affordable paperback collection entitled ROOTS OF THE SWAMP THING.  



Perhaps of even greater significance, however, is Wrightson's 1983 version of Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN, which (from my perspective) represents the definitive illustrated edition of Shelley's classic tale.  You can read Wrightson's official obituary, as prepared by his widow, by clicking HERE.


I recommend watching Wrightson speak about his work in Ken Viola's excellent 1987 documentary MASTERS OF COMIC BOOK ART, which includes interviews with other icons of the comic book field such as Will Eisner, Harvey Kurtzman, Jack Kirby, and Moebius (Wrightson appears at around 31:50).  This documentary is available in its entirety on YouTube and can be seen directly below:

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